How to Replace an Old  Ceiling Light with A New Recessed Light

Replacing an old ceiling light fixture with a recessed light involves removing the old fixture and its junction box and installing the new recessed light, usually in the same place A recessed light, sometimes called a can light, has both its housing and bulb recessed above the ceiling . In the same time, you can install the new light in a different location nearby. This is a simple project as long as the existing circuit cable can reach the light; if not, you have to install a junction box and extend new cable to the new light location.


Be sure to use an IC-rated light, which is safe to be in contact with ceiling insulation.

7 Tips 

Turn off the power to the ceiling light fixture first by turning off the light switch, then flipping off the appropriate circuit breaker in your home's breaker box. You cannot turn off the light switch only; this is dangerous. You must turn off the circuit breaker.

1.Remove the Old Led Recessed Downlight

Unscrew the wire connectors joining the circuit wires to the light fixture wires, and separate the wires. Don't just cut the wires. Doing so may leave them too short to use with the new fixture.

2.Cut Out the Can Light Hole

Place the cutting template from the new fixture over the opening for the electrical box. Using a pencil, trace around the template to mark a cutting outline. Cut along the outline with a drywall saw. Be careful not to damage any wiring inside the ceiling. Remove the cut pieces of drywall.

3. Remove the Old Box of the Recessed Lighting

Remove any screws securing the old electrical box to the ceiling framing. If the box is nailed in place, cut through the nails with a hacksaw blade. Loosen the cable clamp on the box to free the circuit cable, then remove the box from the ceiling.

4. Connect the Circuit  Wire of Recessed Ceiling Light

Install a cable clamp onto the electrical splice box of the new light fixture, as needed. Feed the circuit cable through the clamp and into the splice box, then secure the cable by tightening the clamp's screws. At least 1/4 inch of the cable sheathing (outer jacket) should extend beyond the inside of the clamp.

5. Connect the Recessed Light Fixture Wires

Connect the circuit wires to the fixture wires, following the fixture manufacturer's wiring diagram. Secure each connection with a wire connector. Typically, the black (hot) circuit wire connects to the black (hot) fixture wire, the white (neutral) circuit wire connects to the white (neutral) fixture wire, and the bare copper (ground) circuit wire connects to the bare copper or green insulated fixture wire.

6. Install the  Recessed LED Ceiling Lights Fixture

Fit the fixture into the hole, inserting the portion with the splice box first, then the light canister. Reach inside of the canister and firmly snap the ceiling clips downward so they lock onto the backside of the drywall.

If the fixture has a separate module that holds the light bulb, attach the module to the wires in the fixture housing, then push the module up into the canister. Install a light bulb.

7. Turn On the Power of the Recessing Light

Restore power to the light's circuit by turning on the circuit breaker, then test the light by turning on the light switch. If you have access to an attic space above the new fixture, cover the fixture with insulation (only if the fixture is IC-rated) to minimize the loss of room heat through the fixture.